Newark Mayor Restricts ICE Enforcement Amidst Car Chase and Criticism
Newark, NJ – Mayor Ras J. Baraka has signed an executive order restricting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents from using city-owned property, facilities, or resources for civil immigration enforcement actions. This move comes after a car chase involving ICE agents led to a multivehicle crash on Wednesday, February 26, 2026, and renews scrutiny of federal enforcement tactics within the city.
ICE Pursuit Leads to Multi-Vehicle Crash
According to city officials, the incident began when ICE agents attempted to pull over a van in Newark. The driver fled, and a chase ensued, resulting in a crash involving several vehicles, including one carrying three children NBC News. The Department of Homeland Security stated the chase was part of a “targeted operation” to arrest Christian Oswaldo Guevara-Guerra, who had a final removal order dating back to 2017 NBC News.
Three children were hospitalized as a result of the crash NBC News. Newark police responded to the crash but were not involved in the initial ICE investigation.
Mayor Baraka Criticizes ICE Actions and Strengthens City Protections
Mayor Baraka strongly criticized ICE’s actions, calling them “reckless and dangerous” NBC News. He pointed out that New Jersey law limits vehicle pursuits to situations where a suspect poses an immediate threat. He urged federal authorities to adhere to local laws and exercise caution.
The new executive order builds upon a 2017 order establishing Newark as a “Welcoming City.” It specifically prohibits ICE operations from being staged on city property and restricts entry into city buildings without a warrant or legitimate government purpose Newark NJ Government. The order similarly mandates that city employees report any observed unconstitutional wrongdoing by ICE agents to their department director, who will then report the information to a state portal established by Governor Mikie Sherrill Newark NJ Government.
the order strengthens the existing prohibition on the Newark Police Division cooperating with federal immigration authorities in any form Newark NJ Government.
Context of Previous Legal Challenges
This latest action follows a June 2025 lawsuit filed by Mayor Baraka against federal officials alleging malicious prosecution and defamation related to his arrest outside an ICE detention center New Jersey Monitor. The lawsuit also named Alina Habba, the acting U.S. Attorney of New Jersey, accusing her of defamation over a social media post regarding the arrest New Jersey Monitor.
Mayor Baraka explained the significance of the executive order during the City’s 38th Annual Sing in Praise of King event, stating, “This executive order says that ICE cannot use our space to stage operations to promote the catching and detaining of other human beings – because no human being is illegal. We’re not slave catchers.” Newark NJ Government